2
Kicker reports that Stuttgart have been offered the services of free-agent goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland following the serious injury sustained by new No. 1 Dennis Seimen.
Stuttgart had only recently reaffirmed their “full trust” in Seimen ahead of the club’s Champions League campaign. The 20-year-old was preparing to succeed Alexander Nübel as the Swabians’ first-choice keeper after returning from a successful loan spell with promoted Bundesliga outfit Paderborn.
Those plans suffered an abrupt setback when Seimen incurred a thigh injury expected to keep him sidelined until at least mid-to-late September. As previously reported, Stuttgart are now considering whether to return to the transfer market or begin the season with experienced backup Fabian Bredlow in goal.
Kicker Stuttgart correspondent George Moissidis actually lists four potential candidates to deputize in goal whilst Seimen recovers from a hamstring injury that will keep him out until at least the end of September. Two keepers are currently operating as free agents while the other two remain under contract elsewhere.
Ørjan Nyland — free agent
The 35-year-old is available on a free transfer following his departure from Sevilla.
Nyland further enhanced his reputation during Norway’s run to the quarter-finals of the recently concluded World Cup. The veteran delivered several strong performances and even used a post-match interview to advertise his availability to interested clubs.
According to Kicker, Nyland’s representatives have now offered him to Stuttgart. His experience and free-agent status make him a conceivable short-term solution, although VfB would need to determine whether he would accept a temporary role before handing the position back to Seimen.
Stefan Ortega Moreno — free agent
Former Arminia Bielefeld keeper Stefan Ortega Moreno is also without a club.
The 33-year-old joined Manchester City in 2022 and made 56 competitive appearances while serving as Ederson’s dependable deputy. Ortega was part of the City side that completed a historic treble in 2023.
He moved to Nottingham Forest in February 2026, making ten appearances and helping the Premier League club reach the Europa League semi-finals. His contract expired during the summer.
Ortega’s Bundesliga experience, ability with the ball at his feet and availability on a free transfer would make him an intriguing candidate. There is presently no indication, however, that negotiations with Stuttgart are taking place.
Marc-André ter Stegen — Barcelona
Germany international Marc-André ter Stegen appears highly unlikely to move to Stuttgart.
The 34-year-old remains under contract with Barcelona until 2028 but no longer features prominently in the Catalan club’s plans. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Girona, where injuries limited his involvement and he was unable to prevent the club’s relegation.
Kicker reports that ter Stegen is now expected to join Ajax on loan. That prospective agreement significantly reduces the possibility of Stuttgart entering the equation.
Bernd Leno — Fulham
Former Stuttgart academy keeper Bernd Leno is regularly linked with a return to his boyhood club.
Leno began his senior career with VfB before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2011. Subsequent moves took him to Arsenal and Fulham, for whom he has now made around 150 competitive appearances.
The 34-year-old remains under contract in London until 2027, meaning a transfer would almost certainly require a substantial financial commitment. Stuttgart will coincidentally face Leno and Fulham in a friendly on August 15.
Stuttgart yet to make final decision
Despite the prominence of the names being discussed, none currently appears to represent a straightforward solution.
Only Nyland has specifically been offered to Stuttgart, while Ortega remains an available theoretical option. Ter Stegen appears bound for Ajax and Leno’s contract with Fulham makes a return financially complicated.
Stuttgart may therefore still elect to trust Bredlow until Seimen returns. The 31-year-old brings Bundesliga and cup experience, while summer signing Marius Funk provides additional depth.
Any new arrival would ideally need to strengthen Stuttgart during Seimen’s absence without obstructing the long-term development of the keeper the club has already designated as its future No. 1.
